State protections, taxes, prices, climate and community for two places that appeal to the same kind of retiree. Figures with a source link to it; state law and tax data are sourced on the states page.
| Santa Fe | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|
| Home price | $575,000 Median sale price (Redfin) | $360,000 Median sale price (Redfin) |
| State housing law | Explicit state law | Explicit state law |
| Public accommodations | Explicit state law | Explicit state law |
| LTC protections | no | no |
| State income tax | graduated mid | graduated mid |
| Local ordinance | partial (source) | yes (source) |
| Governor | Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democratic) | Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democratic) |
| Summer high / winter low | 86° / 18° (source) | 91° / 26° (source) |
| Airport | SAF — Santa Fe Regional Airport, ~14 mi from downtown (source) | ABQ — Albuquerque International Sunport (source) |
| Pride | PRIDE Santa Fe / Pride on the Plaza (Jun) (source) | Albuquerque PrideFest (Jun) (source) |
| LGBTQ+ district | — | — |
| Cost of living index (100 = US avg) | 112 (source) | 92 (source) |
| Walk Score | 39 (source) | 43 (source) |
When the laws, prices, or rankings move, we send one honest email. That’s it — no spam, ever.